Ethiopia

On a recent visit to Mesqan Epicenter, THP staff conducted a survey among Microfinance Program participants to assess the program's performance and get insights on ways to improve it. The women shared about the difference THP has made in their lives. "Now, we have a beautiful meeting hall within the epicenter building, the health clinic provides services within a few minutes' walk, our children--particularly our daughters--attend school without any fear or hindrance."

Derare Hirpha, a 37-year-old married mother of six is a Jaldu Epicenter Committee member and secretary of the management committee for the Rural Bank. When she was young, she was abducted, forced to marry her abductor and lost all hopes of an education. Thanks to THP, Derare has returned to reading and writing, is learning business management, generating her own income and owns various assets.

Epicenters continue to collect and store grain and potato reserves, while forging ahead with children's education programs. There is much activity in the construction of water supplies, with the Jaldu Water Supply Project and four new health posts and improved sanitation facilities.